East Angle/West Breccia

Rode out to investigate the slab quality above weak facets near the ground. Warm temperatures the last two days has resulted in recent snow settlement and slabs have firmed up. In most areas this slab is still easy to penetrate on sleds and stepping off. The exception is where wind has created a very firm slab in places (1F to P hardness). Snowpack depth varies significantly in upper elevation especially around 10,000 in exposed terrain. Some east facing slopes were completely scoured before 12/1. This variable snowpack creates a lot of uncertainty in overall stability. Some slopes may be stable as old weak snow was scoured after the Thanksgiving wind. Other slopes where old snow has been preserved are unstable. Therefore due to the variability, don't be fooled into old tracks proving any sort of stability. Found propagation in pit on north aspect at 10,000 (see snowpack) where old snow was preserved. Ride conservatively. Still easy to hit obstacle below snow surface. 

Two natural wind slab avalanches observed (12/10 estimated occurence). Wind slabs appear stubborn now.

Variable snowpack. At 10,000' on an E aspect HS: 30cm. At 10,000 NNE aspect HS: 115 ECTP20 down 77cm on 2-3mm facets (cupped). Most sheltered terrain harbors weak facets from November drought that is the main persistent slab problem.